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Vicki Blunt Welsh Detective Mysteries #1
A Murder in Pembrokeshire
The first novel in an absolutely gripping new female detective series set in West Wales
Sergeant Vicki Blunt has been demoted to uniform after challenging her snide superior, DI Glyn Hughes. But when a woman is found dead in her car, with CID short-staffed, she finds herself having to do the legwork.
The deceased is Christina Page, a teacher at the local primary school. Having suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, it looks like a tragic case of suicide.
Vicki meets her family, her sleazy boss, and her colleagues at the school, and learns that Christina was being tormented by trolls online. Enough to push her over the edge.
Yet very much still the detective, something doesn’t quite add up for Vicki. She notes bruises to the body, and the car having been tampered with. Can she risk rocking the boat?
As she follows her nose, her mind is also on a miscarriage of justice that has seen an innocent woman jailed. Her burning desire to right past wrongs might further jeopardise her career, even if it offers the chance to get back at her boss.
Sergeant Vicki Blunt has been demoted to uniform after challenging her snide superior, DI Glyn Hughes. But when a woman is found dead in her car, with CID short-staffed, she finds herself having to do the legwork.
The deceased is Christina Page, a teacher at the local primary school. Having suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, it looks like a tragic case of suicide.
Vicki meets her family, her sleazy boss, and her colleagues at the school, and learns that Christina was being tormented by trolls online. Enough to push her over the edge.
Yet very much still the detective, something doesn’t quite add up for Vicki. She notes bruises to the body, and the car having been tampered with. Can she risk rocking the boat?
As she follows her nose, her mind is also on a miscarriage of justice that has seen an innocent woman jailed. Her burning desire to right past wrongs might further jeopardise her career, even if it offers the chance to get back at her boss.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2025
634 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 2, 2026
Vicki, a police officer in Wales, was demoted when she accused a superior of misconduct. Now she works for him, and he's just as insufferable. She believes that his bad police work and dishonesty sent an an innocent woman to prison and sets out to prove it. Meanwhile, there's an evil man doctoring young woman's photos and demanding money to delete them. With the help of Eli, the computer expert, Vicki sets up a sting, and is shocked at the result. Anyone who likes to see villains get their just desserts will enjoy this fast moving police procedural.
March 3, 2025
So here we go - at last a new book by Ms Clifford, and with brand new characters to enjoy!
(although I sincerely hope we have some more Stacey & Ben books in the near future please!)
As usual there is a great main plot, with sub plots popping up to keep you interested (and confused with red herrings and the like) - love it! And Vicki is a great new character, with her good friend/landlady Susan to help her along the way with useful advice in matters other than just police work (you'll find out about Susan when you read the book!) Ms Clifford's beautiful descriptions of the Welsh countryside adds atmosphere and pleasant distraction from the engrossing plot as it twists and turns and takes you on a real page-turner....another book that's hard to put down and turn the bedroom light off! I see Book 2 in the series has also been published hot on the heels of this blinder, so I will be reviewing that one shortly.
(although I sincerely hope we have some more Stacey & Ben books in the near future please!)
As usual there is a great main plot, with sub plots popping up to keep you interested (and confused with red herrings and the like) - love it! And Vicki is a great new character, with her good friend/landlady Susan to help her along the way with useful advice in matters other than just police work (you'll find out about Susan when you read the book!) Ms Clifford's beautiful descriptions of the Welsh countryside adds atmosphere and pleasant distraction from the engrossing plot as it twists and turns and takes you on a real page-turner....another book that's hard to put down and turn the bedroom light off! I see Book 2 in the series has also been published hot on the heels of this blinder, so I will be reviewing that one shortly.
February 7, 2026
What an amazing start to a series. I thought I must have read every possible murder method but I'd never even imagined this one. It's quite scary when you realise what can be done. The main plot is engrossing and there's plenty else going on to keep the reader interested including tensions between officers.
I get the impression this book's a bit more realistic about police work, certainly regarding timescales for getting things done and getting test results back.
The characters are interesting and believable. While I thought there was something wrong right from the start with the person who turned out to be the killer I hadn't worked out who it was right up to the arrest. The only slight disappointment was that there were some things unexplained e.g was the vehicle fire engineered or accidental and what was it that the killer wanted to reveal to Fletcher and Vicky? Had there really been previous deaths they didn't know about? Maybe we'll find out in the next book.
A thoroughly good read.
I get the impression this book's a bit more realistic about police work, certainly regarding timescales for getting things done and getting test results back.
The characters are interesting and believable. While I thought there was something wrong right from the start with the person who turned out to be the killer I hadn't worked out who it was right up to the arrest. The only slight disappointment was that there were some things unexplained e.g was the vehicle fire engineered or accidental and what was it that the killer wanted to reveal to Fletcher and Vicky? Had there really been previous deaths they didn't know about? Maybe we'll find out in the next book.
A thoroughly good read.
February 5, 2026
Vicki Blunt is our FMC, and currently a Police Sergeant in Wales. Sheila was recently demoted for accusing her boss, Hughes, of mishandling a case and sending an innocent woman to jail without any tangible proof of misconduct.
But she won’t stop until she proves what he did and gets the innocent woman released from prison with the help of her landlady Susan, a former officer and a current friend in the forensics unit.
Meanwhile, Vicki is called to the scene of an apparent suicide but some things about the scene don’t add up. Due to work shortages, Vicki must work the case with CID and Hughes. Will he mess this case up too?
This was a fast paced police procedural, the first in a new series, and I am here for it. This was a new to me author and I’m already anticipating her next book.
I rated this one 4/5.
But she won’t stop until she proves what he did and gets the innocent woman released from prison with the help of her landlady Susan, a former officer and a current friend in the forensics unit.
Meanwhile, Vicki is called to the scene of an apparent suicide but some things about the scene don’t add up. Due to work shortages, Vicki must work the case with CID and Hughes. Will he mess this case up too?
This was a fast paced police procedural, the first in a new series, and I am here for it. This was a new to me author and I’m already anticipating her next book.
I rated this one 4/5.
February 24, 2026
A very nice police procedural though not without its tropes - a feisty woman police officer and a cad of a male direct superior among them. Sergeant Vicky Blunt is our protagonist and she quickly gains our admiration for her honest work ethic. Her boss Hughes is a lazy oaf and she has trouble with a new PC in her squad. Vicky has her work cut out with a murderer at large while she is also determined to overturn the historic conviction of a woman for murder on evidence that proves flimsy upon examination. She has success on both counts plus the satisfaction of seeing her dodgy colleagues go down. A 5* perhaps but it maybe falls into place a bit too easily and happily for me.
February 6, 2026
My first book by this author. Fast moving, twisty turning police procedure. Vicki has been wrogly demoted from a D I to a sergeant following her complaint about her supererior officer and his handling of the conviction and imprisonment of a young girl. She now finds herself having to work under the superior again, where he takes great delight in belittling her at every opportunity. She has now had enough and turns to her landlady, a former DCI , for advice. With the help of Susan, her landlady, and Leo, a techno wizard, they make her boss's demise complete. They also get the young womans' case reviewed and the verdict overturned. A good read for anyone who likes police procedurals.
April 20, 2025
An interesting main character in a good read.
I have really enjoyed Nicola Clifford's featuring Stacey Logan and so was looking forward to this book, with a new location and a new lead character. it has not disappointed.
Police Officer Vicky Blunt has been demoted back to Detective Sergeant after a run-in with her DI, and so is now back in uniform. Due to staff shortages and work pressures, she leads an investigation into an appa4ent suicide that turns out to be far worse.
there are lots of twists and turns, andside plotting this story that will keep the reader guessing.
I have really enjoyed Nicola Clifford's featuring Stacey Logan and so was looking forward to this book, with a new location and a new lead character. it has not disappointed.
Police Officer Vicky Blunt has been demoted back to Detective Sergeant after a run-in with her DI, and so is now back in uniform. Due to staff shortages and work pressures, she leads an investigation into an appa4ent suicide that turns out to be far worse.
there are lots of twists and turns, andside plotting this story that will keep the reader guessing.
February 6, 2026
I enjoyed the book, Vicki is the main character, Susan is her friend and neighbor slash/housemate and a former DCI I think. It’s finding the person who kills women. I won’t reveal how, Then trying to right a wrong, and prove there is a bent copper so to speak. The characters care about their policing and form some solid friendships in the process. It’s a good read for a weekend at home to relax with.
February 2, 2026
Brilliant free book!
I got this free book and thought it would pass a few hours! How wrong was I? I really couldn't put it down as I needed to know what happened next. I've just bought the second book in the series and can't wait to get started. Good storyline,great characters and a fine ending too.
I got this free book and thought it would pass a few hours! How wrong was I? I really couldn't put it down as I needed to know what happened next. I've just bought the second book in the series and can't wait to get started. Good storyline,great characters and a fine ending too.
February 10, 2026
A great first book in hopefully a series
A great read with plenty of action. Vicki is a great police officer who although demoted from DS to PS still uses all of her intuition in her policing role.
Her ongoing conflict with her ex DI is always in the background and forms a parallel story.
All in all a most enjoyable read with unsuspecting outcomes.
A great read with plenty of action. Vicki is a great police officer who although demoted from DS to PS still uses all of her intuition in her policing role.
Her ongoing conflict with her ex DI is always in the background and forms a parallel story.
All in all a most enjoyable read with unsuspecting outcomes.
February 11, 2026
Bad cop good cop!
A brilliant interesting crime story about bent poppers and ones you love and want! I just wonder sometimes how these so called leaders get were they are.a woman sergeant who was demoted for doing the right thing and finally getting her revenge on the clueless leader.loved the story and got better as you read it Well done and keep writing brilliant stuff bravo!
A brilliant interesting crime story about bent poppers and ones you love and want! I just wonder sometimes how these so called leaders get were they are.a woman sergeant who was demoted for doing the right thing and finally getting her revenge on the clueless leader.loved the story and got better as you read it Well done and keep writing brilliant stuff bravo!
February 11, 2026
Vicky blunt book 1 is amazing.
Some books I read can be a little tough to get going with but this book had me hooked from the start. You get drawn in and find yourself just wanting to turn the page again and again to see how things keep going. Eventually you reach the end and want to start the next book.
Some books I read can be a little tough to get going with but this book had me hooked from the start. You get drawn in and find yourself just wanting to turn the page again and again to see how things keep going. Eventually you reach the end and want to start the next book.
June 16, 2025
fantastic read
Great story line, and certainly a nice twist. Very modern read and well written. Have found a lot of detective / policing books a tad routine and boring recently but this has gotten my mojo back
Great story line, and certainly a nice twist. Very modern read and well written. Have found a lot of detective / policing books a tad routine and boring recently but this has gotten my mojo back
September 18, 2025
A urder in Pembrokeshire
A truly gripping murder mystery set in beautiful Welsh countryside. There is no detail missed in this read and you have a clear image of police and suspects throughout the book. A definite read if you enjoy detective work.
A truly gripping murder mystery set in beautiful Welsh countryside. There is no detail missed in this read and you have a clear image of police and suspects throughout the book. A definite read if you enjoy detective work.
December 3, 2025
Great read. A who dunnit that keeps you guessing.
I enjoyed this book especially as I live in one of the areas mentioned and know all the other areas well. Couldn't put it down a good read for whodunnit fans.
I enjoyed this book especially as I live in one of the areas mentioned and know all the other areas well. Couldn't put it down a good read for whodunnit fans.
January 7, 2026
First book by this author I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and just had to keep turning the pages. A woman wrongfully jailed, a lazy copper and a determined one. A great story with fabulous characters.
January 17, 2026
Good plot with believable characters. The ending was disappointing, it lost the build up developed in the previous chapter. Despite that, I've downloaded the next book in the series as there may be a follow on plot...
January 29, 2026
excellent
Couldn’t put this book down once I’d started it! Wonderful characters and a real gripping plot. All in all simply Excellent and would definitely recommend reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Couldn’t put this book down once I’d started it! Wonderful characters and a real gripping plot. All in all simply Excellent and would definitely recommend reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 31, 2026
I loved it all!! The police team is brilliant (well, most of them!), and the investigation is gripping. Not too much info about the private lives of the team. The little there is, fits both the storyline and plot. I read this book in one go as I couldn't put it down! I have already bought book 2.
February 1, 2026
A good read
Interesting whodunit set in Wales. A bit unusual in that the eponymous police sergeant is in uniform and is trying to get a wrongful conviction quashed as well as investigating a murder.
Interesting whodunit set in Wales. A bit unusual in that the eponymous police sergeant is in uniform and is trying to get a wrongful conviction quashed as well as investigating a murder.
February 2, 2026
a good page turning read
I liked the way the story flowed and evolved. Also how
The secondary story fitted in. The main characters and assisting
Characters were described well. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
I liked the way the story flowed and evolved. Also how
The secondary story fitted in. The main characters and assisting
Characters were described well. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
February 12, 2026
Brilliant
Nothing to dislike about this book. Characters are really good and the twists and turns are great. Could not put it down towards the end and had to finish reading it in one go.
Nothing to dislike about this book. Characters are really good and the twists and turns are great. Could not put it down towards the end and had to finish reading it in one go.
March 3, 2025
Wow, what a start to Nicola's new detective series! Throughly enjoyed, great characters and a plot to keep you guessing to the end.
May 29, 2025
loved this book. great characters and kept me guessing till the end!
June 20, 2025
Page Turner
This book is based locally to me in Haverfordwest. I enjoyed all the local references in what was a very good read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is based locally to me in Haverfordwest. I enjoyed all the local references in what was a very good read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 6, 2025
RMSTitanic12
I enjoyed this story it was good from beginning to the end and the characters were most believable,Looking forward to the next book in this series,well done.
I enjoyed this story it was good from beginning to the end and the characters were most believable,Looking forward to the next book in this series,well done.
December 2, 2025
A good read
Enjoyed reading this book with more than a few twists,looking forward to reading more of the authors books which I have downloaded two.
Enjoyed reading this book with more than a few twists,looking forward to reading more of the authors books which I have downloaded two.
January 14, 2026
Couldn't put it down.
January 14, 2026
Chilling
A chillingly gripping read. The fight to put right a wrong conviction alongside the search for an incredibly dangerous ice cold killer.
A chillingly gripping read. The fight to put right a wrong conviction alongside the search for an incredibly dangerous ice cold killer.
February 1, 2026
great read
Great description of characters and places. Felt as though you were in the places described. Not read this author before but would recommend.
Great description of characters and places. Felt as though you were in the places described. Not read this author before but would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews